Which reins will be best for me?
Reins together with an appropriately chosen bit form the link between the rider’s hand and the horse’s mouth. For this very reason, when choosing the right reins, it is worth making sure that they help us transmit signals to our mount in the most subtle and precise way possible. Regardless of the riding style or discipline practised, reins should fulfil three basic conditions – be safe, functional and comfortable. This is one of the pieces of equestrian equipment that most affects our comfort while riding. Reins that are too wide (or narrow), slipping or chafing can turn every ride into a real torment. To avoid this, in this article we will give you an idea of the most commonly encountered types of reins and their most important pros and cons, which are often not visible at first glance.
Joined and split reins
In all disciplines belonging to the classic, English riding style (jumping, dressage, eventing, etc.) joined reins are used. This means that the reins are connected by a buckle, thereby forming a closed system, and the rider, holding them, uses both hands, distributing the pressure evenly on both sides of the horse’s mouth. Such reins are the most commonly encountered. Split reins are used mainly in some Western disciplines, and this comes from the fact that it is much easier to handle such reins with one hand. This is very useful in situations where the other hand is occupied holding a rope or is needed, e.g., to open a fence. Traditionally this type of rein is relatively long (even up to 2.4 m), so that the rider can adjust them appropriately to their needs or even tie them, and they are held crossed over the horse’s neck. Most often split reins are made of leather and used together with bits with shanks (curb bits).
Which material to choose?
We have many options to choose from, both natural and synthetic materials. Regardless of what we choose, it is important that the reins are not too light and that our mount can also feel their weight appropriately. Thanks to this the horse should learn to react to the tension or loosening of the reins alone, which will prevent us from excessive pressure on the bit. Reins that are too light can make it difficult for the horse to understand our signals.
Leather reins – enjoy great popularity, because leather, thanks to its elasticity, lies very well in the hand. It allows giving precise signals and a better “feel” of the horse’s mouth. Leather reins work very well when riding on a stronger contact, e.g. in the dressage arena. Leather is also a material relatively resistant to chafing and although reins made of it can be more expensive, they will serve us for a long time and will age nicely, unlike their synthetic counterparts. Webbing reins – made of a strong, webbing weave often ended with leather (or synthetic) inserts at the ends. This type of rein is a much cheaper alternative to leather reins, and thanks to the properties of the material they are also sufficiently soft and comfortable. Webbing reins are usually equipped with rubber stops (evenly spaced rubber or leather inserts on the part of the rein that has contact with the rider’s hand), so that they do not slide in an undesirable way. In addition, webbing reins can also be rubberised, i.e. stitched with rubber threads along their entire length, like the anti-slip webbing reins by Balotade. Such a solution gives an even surer grip and enables faster adjustment of the rein length. Rubber reins – reins whose top part is made of rubber densely covered with small pimples. This type of rein provides a very sure grip and therefore works well in extreme conditions such as riding in the rain, in water or on a heavily sweating horse. Thanks to their properties they are often used in eventing, on jumping courses or when riding racehorses. They are relatively thick and for some riders, who prefer to “feel” the reins better, they may turn out to be uncomfortable. Even more than with other models, it is worth paying attention that they are not too wide (the standard width is about 1.5 – 1.8 cm). An example of comfortable, yet highly anti-slip reins is, e.g., this model available in the Balotade range.
Biothane/PVC reins – reins made of very light synthetic materials. Biothane is additionally characterised by great elasticity and at the same time resistance to damage. This type of rein is often also relatively thin. What may be a significant issue for some – products made of Biothane are fully vegan. Synthetic materials are easy to clean and do not absorb moisture, which makes them very hygienic (you can simply rinse them with water after riding, so that in a moment they are dry and ready for reuse). Due to this and to their lightness they are often used in long-distance endurance rides and horse races, but they are also gaining increasing popularity among riders who are simply looking for durable, easy-to-maintain reins. Synthetic reins are often available in many colours, which can be an interesting accent in the whole of our equestrian equipment.
Regardless of what type of reins you choose, make sure that the part which connects the reins with the bit, or the one which connects one rein with the other, is made of leather or another material that, in the case of very strong pressure, will break. At the moment when a horse’s leg got tangled in the reins, e.g. after a fall, this can protect the horse from serious injury.
If you usually use a running martingale, also pay attention to the reins having so-called rein stops. Thanks to these small elements fixed on both reins, the martingale rings will not move excessively forward and catch on the bit.
Balotade® Anti-Slip Web Reins
Balotade® Web Reins
Balotade® Anti-Slip Rubber Reins
Balotade® Anti-Slip Leather Reins
| Size | Full, Pony |
|---|---|
| Color | Black, Brown, Light brown |
Balotade® Blue Leather Reins
Reins – how not to use them?
There are a few universal rules of handling reins which, for our own safety (and for the safety of our horse), it is worth knowing:
- Never use reins that are even to the smallest degree frayed or damaged. Such a rein can break more easily while riding and lead to a very dangerous situation. All kinds of fraying also increase the risk of abrasions appearing on the rider’s hands.
- Do not tie a horse to anything using the reins for this purpose. If the horse spooks, it can not only break the reins, but also injure its mouth.
- As far as possible, do not use a rein that is attached to the bit for leading the horse in hand for a longer time. For this purpose always use a halter and a lead rope.
